(Vita Dulcis Advent Calendar 19/24) This is my very first Macallan. I‘ve always avoided it because the hype about it somehow turned me away from it. I have not really seen exceptional reviews for it that justify its comparably high price. First of all I was very disappointed about the ABV which is only 40% - the very legal minimum that actually allows it to be called scotch whisky. So right of the bat this flows in line with Balvenie, Glenlivet and Dalmore for me which all do the same at a still high price and mostly mediocre ratings all across the field with only few exceptions for the very top of the line. Nose: a mild fruity Speyside character, a candy sweetness and some neat sherry notes, it is a nicely balanced and interesting nose even if it is a little weak, lots of honey and a bid of vanilla too Palate: creamy sweet, marzipan, some dry grape notes, sherry and wood influences and a mild spiciness, actually likeable for sure and more intense than expected, finally a 40% whisky that doesn’t feel like water but it still is very subdued and makes you wonder how great this wood be at around 48% ABV Finish: medium to short and not very intense but still maintaining the flavors from the palate nicely Verdict: I actually enjoyed it but didn’t really like it, it feels like it is held down like on a leash, I can grasp the potential it could have when being older and less diluted